QUEZON City, Philippines (January 28) – Since 2012, there is a territorial dispute between Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and China. China, being the most aggressive, installed military units, took over the reefs and built an artificial island that is clearly within 200 nautical miles of our territory. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defined this territory to be within Philippines’ EEZ (exclusive economic zone). These aggressive actions by China provoked the youth to form a movement called “Kalayaan, Atin Ito”.
This group advocates for our freedom in four phases. The Phases 1 is all about informing the youth and gathers at least 30 volunteers from each 81 provinces. The second phase was called “the Freedom Voyage” which lets volunteers sail to Kalayaan Island Group and stay there for a peaceful protest. They succeeded in making their first voyage last December which made China send a plane loaded with tourist to test their 3,000 meters runway at their man-made island. This will lead to the movement’s phase 3; volunteers will stay on different islands of Spratly’s to show encouragement and patriotism to fellow Filipino. The military is against this movement and advice the volunteers to execute advocacy in other way like “alay-lakad”. Lastly, the fourth phase is “freedom fishermen” – this aims to turnover some boats to the fishermen and to encourage them to take up their residence and livelihood at Kalayaan Island Group.
This movement is so little compared to what China has done to have a firm control and overtake what is supposed to be ours. I doubt that taking alternative steps like alay-lakad , fun run, and signature campaign will be as effective. The result of these activities will be wasted because the action taken is not relevant to the problem. Staying in the island is claiming that it is ours. It belongs to the Philippines. It may be risky for students to sail; it may be a too serious action for some people. Yes. It. Is. This is a serious issue that the government doesn’t pay much attention on. We will not allow China to build an empire in our territory. What’s next? Siquijor, then Palawan, the Visayas islands, the Philippines?
There are too many voices and few actions. Is this what happened in our history before? Did we prevent and criticize our heroes for being too brave instead of supporting them?
Battles don’t succeed from words and campaign only. Mostly, it succeeded because of bravery and actions.
References:
https://kalayaanatinito.wordpress.com/about/
(written by Karen Llacuna, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)